It’s the era of progressive politics

The editorial Heartland murmurs (Our Take, November 13) rightly states that today’s voters are intelligent and dislike caste politics. They are wise to distinguish between real problems and non-issues.

The editorial Heartland murmurs (Our Take, November 13) rightly states that today’s voters are intelligent and dislike caste politics. They are wise to distinguish between real problems and non-issues. The results of the recently concluded bypolls in Uttar Pradesh show that the era of caste- and religion-based politics is over. Everyone expects his/her leader to talk about development and work towards improving state infrastructure and public services.

Truly, the era of progressive politics has arrived.

Sachin Kumar, Begusarai

II

The defeat of the Samajwadi Party (SP) in by-elections in Uttar Pradesh and the Left in West Bengal has proved that voters are tired of the old caste-based and ‘only talks, no action’ politics. Also, the defeat of Dimple Yadav, daughter-in-law of SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, shows that nepotism can no longer thrive in Indian politics.

Mrityunjay Mukherjee, Allahabad

The rich are above the law

The editorial Short arm of the law (Our Take, November 11) shows how law and order in India is at the mercy of the rich and the influential persons. Manu Sharma managed to bypass the tedious process of seeking parole only because he is politically connected. Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit’s justification is completely unconvincing. It fails to cover up her mistake of granting a hasty parole to Sharma. Though a media outcry and public outrage have sent Sharma back to jail, it is important to ensure that such mistakes don’t get repeated.

P.P. Talwar, via email

More than what’s needed

Amitabha Bagchi in Boxes within box office (November 13) seems to have unnecessarily gone deep into establishing commonality between Mother India and Jodi No. 1. It won’t be surprising if even David Dhawan, director of Jodi No. 1, is unaware of the commonness between the two movies. Critics have a nagging habit of over-analysing works of art, which ultimately makes them uninteresting to the audience.

Vina Leekha, via email

National song above all religions

Kudos to Firoz Bakht Ahmed for presenting a sensible opinion on our national song! (Vande indeed!, November 11). It is incorrect to point fingers at the integrity of the millions of Muslim freedom fighters who proudly sung Vande Mataram. The first Education Minister of India, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, saw in the song Islamic doctrines of Wahdat-e-Deen (unity of religion) and Sulah-e-Kul (universal peace). But those who condemn Muslims for singing the song are publicity mongers who wish to earn their 15 minutes of fame by wrongly politicising the issue.